Ring of fire eclipse

May 20, 2012 6:53 PM

Photo: AP

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Hikers watch an annular eclipse from Papago Park in Phoenix on Sunday, May 20, 2012. The annular eclipse, in which the moon passes in front of the sun leaving only a golden ring around its edges, was visible to wide areas across China, Japan and elsewhere in the region before moving across the Pacific to be seen in parts of the western United States. less

Hikers watch an annular eclipse from Papago Park in Phoenix on Sunday, May 20, 2012. The annular eclipse, in which the moon passes in front of the sun leaving only a golden ring around its edges, was visible to ... more

A partial eclipse of the Sun is seen on Sunday, May 20, 2012 in Sequim, Washington.

A partial eclipse of the Sun is seen on Sunday, May 20, 2012 in Sequim, Washington.

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO

A partial eclipse of the Sun is seen on Sunday, May 20, 2012 in... Photo-2962297.43282 - seattlepi.com

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An annular eclipse appears Sunday, May 20, 2012, north of Odessa, Texas. The annular eclipse, in which the moon passes in front of the sun leaving only a golden ring around its edges, was visible to wide areas across China, Japan and elsewhere in the region before moving across the Pacific to be seen in parts of the western United States. less

An annular eclipse appears Sunday, May 20, 2012, north of Odessa, Texas. The annular eclipse, in which the moon passes in front of the sun leaving only a golden ring around its edges, was visible to wide areas ... more

An annular eclipse appears Sunday, May 20, 2012, north of Odessa, Texas. The annular eclipse, in which the moon passes in front of the sun leaving only a golden ring around its edges, was visible to wide areas across China, Japan and elsewhere in the region before moving across the Pacific to be seen in parts of the western United States. less

An annular eclipse appears Sunday, May 20, 2012, north of Odessa, Texas. The annular eclipse, in which the moon passes in front of the sun leaving only a golden ring around its edges, was visible to wide areas ... more

The sun sets between the grain elevators in Abbyville, Kan., during an annular eclipse Sunday, May 20, 2012. The annular eclipse, in which the moon passes in front of the sun leaving only a golden ring around its edges, was visible to wide areas across China, Japan and elsewhere in the region before moving across the Pacific to be seen in parts of the western United States. less

The sun sets between the grain elevators in Abbyville, Kan., during an annular eclipse Sunday, May 20, 2012. The annular eclipse, in which the moon passes in front of the sun leaving only a golden ring around ... more

A thundershower rolls through as an annular solar eclipse appears in Gardnerville, Nev., on Sunday, May 20, 2012. The annular eclipse, in which the moon passes in front of the sun leaving only a golden ring around its edges, was visible to wide areas across China, Japan and elsewhere in the region before moving across the Pacific to be seen in parts of the western United States. less

A thundershower rolls through as an annular solar eclipse appears in Gardnerville, Nev., on Sunday, May 20, 2012. The annular eclipse, in which the moon passes in front of the sun leaving only a golden ring ... more

Photo: AP

A thundershower rolls through as an annular solar eclipse appears... Photo-2962707.43282 - seattlepi.com

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A passenger jet flies above an annular solar eclipse Sunday, May 20, 2012, in Irving, Texas. The annular eclipse, in which the moon passes in front of the sun leaving only a golden ring around its edges, was visible to wide areas across China, Japan and elsewhere in the region before moving across the Pacific to be seen in parts of the western United States. less

A passenger jet flies above an annular solar eclipse Sunday, May 20, 2012, in Irving, Texas. The annular eclipse, in which the moon passes in front of the sun leaving only a golden ring around its edges, was ... more

An annular solar eclipse appears Sunday, May 20, 2012, in Chandler, Ariz. The annular eclipse, in which the moon passes in front of the sun leaving only a golden ring around its edges, was visible to wide areas across China, Japan and elsewhere in the region before moving across the Pacific to be seen in parts of the western United States. less

An annular solar eclipse appears Sunday, May 20, 2012, in Chandler, Ariz. The annular eclipse, in which the moon passes in front of the sun leaving only a golden ring around its edges, was visible to wide areas ... more

An annular eclipse appears Sunday, May 20, 2012, in Roswell, N.M. The annular eclipse, in which the moon passes in front of the sun leaving only a golden ring around its edges, was visible to wide areas across China, Japan and elsewhere in the region before moving across the Pacific to be seen in parts of the western United States. less

An annular eclipse appears Sunday, May 20, 2012, in Roswell, N.M. The annular eclipse, in which the moon passes in front of the sun leaving only a golden ring around its edges, was visible to wide areas across ... more

A business man watches an annular solar eclipse at a waterfront park in Yokohama, near Tokyo, Monday, May 21, 2012. Millions of early risers in Asia turned their attention skyward to view a rare "ring of fire" eclipse as it crossed their skies Monday morning. The annular eclipse, in which the moon passes in front of the sun leaving only a golden ring around its edges, was visible to wide areas across China, Japan and elsewhere in the region before moving across the Pacific to be seen in parts of the western United States. less

A business man watches an annular solar eclipse at a waterfront park in Yokohama, near Tokyo, Monday, May 21, 2012. Millions of early risers in Asia turned their attention skyward to view a rare "ring of fire" ... more

Photo: AP

A business man watches an annular solar eclipse at a waterfront... Photo-2962195.43282 - seattlepi.com

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A South Korean astronomy student uses special sunglasses to observe an annular solar eclipse in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, May 21, 2012. Millions of early risers in Asia turned their attention skyward to view a rare "ring of fire" eclipse as it crossed their skies Monday morning. The annular eclipse, in which the moon passes in front of the sun leaving only a golden ring around its edges, was visible to wide areas across China, Japan and elsewhere in the region before moving across the Pacific to be seen in parts of the western United States. less

A South Korean astronomy student uses special sunglasses to observe an annular solar eclipse in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, May 21, 2012. Millions of early risers in Asia turned their attention skyward to view ... more

Photo: AP

A South Korean astronomy student uses special sunglasses to observe... Photo-2962199.43282 - seattlepi.com

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High school students watch the annular solar eclipse in Fujisawa, near Tokyo, Monday, May 21, 2012. Millions of early risers in Asia turned their attention skyward to view a rare "ring of fire" eclipse as it crossed their skies Monday morning. The annular eclipse, in which the moon passes in front of the sun leaving only a golden ring around its edges, was visible to wide areas across China, Japan and elsewhere in the region before moving across the Pacific to be seen in parts of the western United States. less

High school students watch the annular solar eclipse in Fujisawa, near Tokyo, Monday, May 21, 2012. Millions of early risers in Asia turned their attention skyward to view a rare "ring of fire" eclipse as it ... more

Photo: AP

High school students watch the annular solar eclipse in Fujisawa,... Photo-2962202.43282 - seattlepi.com

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A partial annular solar eclipse appears through construction scaffoldings in Beijing, China, Monday, May 21, 2012. The annular eclipse, in which the moon passes in front of the sun leaving only a golden ring around its edges, was visible to wide areas across China, Japan and elsewhere in the region before moving across the Pacific to be seen in parts of the western United States. less

A partial annular solar eclipse appears through construction scaffoldings in Beijing, China, Monday, May 21, 2012. The annular eclipse, in which the moon passes in front of the sun leaving only a golden ring ... more

A flock of birds fly past a partial annular solar eclipse over Beijing, China, Monday, May 21, 2012. The annular eclipse, in which the moon passes in front of the sun leaving only a golden ring around its edges, was visible to wide areas across China, Japan and elsewhere in the region before moving across the Pacific to be seen in parts of the western United States. less

A flock of birds fly past a partial annular solar eclipse over Beijing, China, Monday, May 21, 2012. The annular eclipse, in which the moon passes in front of the sun leaving only a golden ring around its ... more

A partial annular eclipse appears over Beijing, China, Monday, May 21, 2012. The annular eclipse, in which the moon passes in front of the sun leaving only a golden ring around its edges, was visible to wide areas across China, Japan and elsewhere in the region before moving across the Pacific to be seen in parts of the western United States. less

A partial annular eclipse appears over Beijing, China, Monday, May 21, 2012. The annular eclipse, in which the moon passes in front of the sun leaving only a golden ring around its edges, was visible to wide ... more

A partial annular solar eclipse is reflected in a pool of water in Beijing, China, Monday, May 21, 2012. The annular eclipse, in which the moon passes in front of the sun leaving only a golden ring around its edges, was visible to wide areas across China, Japan and elsewhere in the region before moving across the Pacific to be seen in parts of the western United States. less

A partial annular solar eclipse is reflected in a pool of water in Beijing, China, Monday, May 21, 2012. The annular eclipse, in which the moon passes in front of the sun leaving only a golden ring around its ... more

Photo: AP

A partial annular solar eclipse is reflected in a pool of water in... Photo-2962214.43282 - seattlepi.com

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An annular solar eclipse appears above a Ferris wheel in the sky over Yokohama near Tokyo Monday, May 21, 2012. The annular eclipse, in which the moon passes in front of the sun leaving only a golden ring around its edges, was visible to wide areas across China, Japan and elsewhere in the region before moving across the Pacific to be seen in parts of the western United States. less

An annular solar eclipse appears above a Ferris wheel in the sky over Yokohama near Tokyo Monday, May 21, 2012. The annular eclipse, in which the moon passes in front of the sun leaving only a golden ring ... more

An annular solar eclipse appears at a waterfront park in Yokohama, near Tokyo, Monday, May 21, 2012. The annular eclipse, in which the moon passes in front of the sun leaving only a golden ring around its edges, was visible to wide areas across China, Japan and elsewhere in the region before moving across the Pacific to be seen in parts of the western United States. less

An annular solar eclipse appears at a waterfront park in Yokohama, near Tokyo, Monday, May 21, 2012. The annular eclipse, in which the moon passes in front of the sun leaving only a golden ring around its ... more

An annular solar eclipse appears in the sky over Yokohama near Tokyo Monday, May 21, 2012. The annular eclipse, in which the moon passes in front of the sun leaving only a golden ring around its edges, was visible to wide areas across China, Japan and elsewhere in the region before moving across the Pacific to be seen in parts of the western United States. less

An annular solar eclipse appears in the sky over Yokohama near Tokyo Monday, May 21, 2012. The annular eclipse, in which the moon passes in front of the sun leaving only a golden ring around its edges, was ... more

An annular solar eclipse appears in Hong Kong Monday, May 21, 2012. The annular eclipse, in which the moon passes in front of the sun leaving only a golden ring around its edges, was visible to wide areas across China, Japan and elsewhere in the region before moving across the Pacific to be seen in parts of the western United States. less

An annular solar eclipse appears in Hong Kong Monday, May 21, 2012. The annular eclipse, in which the moon passes in front of the sun leaving only a golden ring around its edges, was visible to wide areas ... more

An annular eclipse appears at a waterfront park in Yokohama, near Tokyo, Monday, May 21, 2012. The annular eclipse, in which the moon passes in front of the sun leaving only a golden ring around its edges, was visible to wide areas across China, Japan and elsewhere in the region before moving across the Pacific to be seen in parts of the western United States. less

An annular eclipse appears at a waterfront park in Yokohama, near Tokyo, Monday, May 21, 2012. The annular eclipse, in which the moon passes in front of the sun leaving only a golden ring around its edges, was ... more

An annular solar eclipse appears during a break in clouds over Taipei, Taiwan, Monday, May 21, 2012. The annular eclipse, in which the moon passes in front of the sun leaving only a golden ring around its edges, was visible to wide areas across China, Japan and elsewhere in the region before moving across the Pacific to be seen in parts of the western United States. less

An annular solar eclipse appears during a break in clouds over Taipei, Taiwan, Monday, May 21, 2012. The annular eclipse, in which the moon passes in front of the sun leaving only a golden ring around its ... more

An annular solar eclipse appears in Fujisawa, near Tokyo, Monday, May 21, 2012. The annular eclipse, in which the moon passes in front of the sun leaving only a golden ring around its edges, was visible to wide areas across China, Japan and elsewhere in the region before moving across the Pacific to be seen in parts of the western United States. less

An annular solar eclipse appears in Fujisawa, near Tokyo, Monday, May 21, 2012. The annular eclipse, in which the moon passes in front of the sun leaving only a golden ring around its edges, was visible to wide ... more

Jon Gomes of Monterey, Calif. shows off a photo of the annular eclipse he shot using his iPhone held up to his telescope, which was covered with protective glass, while watching the event from Sunset Drive in Pacific Grove, Calif., on Sunday May 20, 2012. less

Jon Gomes of Monterey, Calif. shows off a photo of the annular eclipse he shot using his iPhone held up to his telescope, which was covered with protective glass, while watching the event from Sunset Drive in ... more

Photo: AP

Jon Gomes of Monterey, Calif. shows off a photo of the annular... Photo-2962468.43282 - seattlepi.com

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An annular eclipse appears Sunday, May 20, 2012, in Pacific Grove, Calif. The annular eclipse, in which the moon passes in front of the sun leaving only a golden ring around its edges, was visible to wide areas across China, Japan and elsewhere in the region before moving across the Pacific to be seen in parts of the western United States. less

An annular eclipse appears Sunday, May 20, 2012, in Pacific Grove, Calif. The annular eclipse, in which the moon passes in front of the sun leaving only a golden ring around its edges, was visible to wide areas ... more

The annular eclipse is visible through binoculars in Sacramento, Calif., Sunday, May 20, 2012. The annular eclipse, in which the moon passes in front of the sun leaving only a golden ring around its edges, was visible to wide areas across China, Japan and elsewhere in the region before moving across the Pacific to be seen in parts of the western United States. (AP Photo/The Sacramento Bee, Randy Pench) MAGS OUT; TV OUT; MANDATORY CREDIT less

The annular eclipse is visible through binoculars in Sacramento, Calif., Sunday, May 20, 2012. The annular eclipse, in which the moon passes in front of the sun leaving only a golden ring around its edges, was ... more

Photo: AP

The annular eclipse is visible through binoculars in Sacramento,... Photo-2962466.43282 - seattlepi.com

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An annular eclipse appears Sunday, May 20, 2012, north of Odessa, Texas. The annular eclipse, in which the moon passes in front of the sun leaving only a golden ring around its edges, was visible to wide areas across China, Japan and elsewhere in the region before moving across the Pacific to be seen in parts of the western United States. less

An annular eclipse appears Sunday, May 20, 2012, north of Odessa, Texas. The annular eclipse, in which the moon passes in front of the sun leaving only a golden ring around its edges, was visible to wide areas ... more

An annular eclipse appears Sunday, May 20, 2012, in Lubbock, Texas. The annular eclipse, in which the moon passes in front of the sun leaving only a golden ring around its edges, was visible to wide areas across China, Japan and elsewhere in the region before moving across the Pacific to be seen in parts of the western United States. (AP Photo/The Avalanche-Journal, Zach Long) ALL LOCAL TV OUT less

An annular eclipse appears Sunday, May 20, 2012, in Lubbock, Texas. The annular eclipse, in which the moon passes in front of the sun leaving only a golden ring around its edges, was visible to wide areas ... more

An annular eclipse appears Sunday, May 20, 2012, north of Odessa, Texas. The annular eclipse, in which the moon passes in front of the sun leaving only a golden ring around its edges, was visible to wide areas across China, Japan and elsewhere in the region before moving across the Pacific to be seen in parts of the western United States. less

An annular eclipse appears Sunday, May 20, 2012, north of Odessa, Texas. The annular eclipse, in which the moon passes in front of the sun leaving only a golden ring around its edges, was visible to wide areas ... more

The state Capitol dome, in Sacramento, Calif., is silhouetted by an annular eclipse Sunday May 20, 2012. The annular solar eclipse, in which the moon passes in front of the sun leaving only a golden ring around its edges, was partially seen over parts of the western United States. less

The state Capitol dome, in Sacramento, Calif., is silhouetted by an annular eclipse Sunday May 20, 2012. The annular solar eclipse, in which the moon passes in front of the sun leaving only a golden ring ... more

Photo: AP

The state Capitol dome, in Sacramento, Calif., is silhouetted by an... Photo-2962460.43282 - seattlepi.com

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An annular eclipse appears Sunday, May 20, 2012, in Eugene, Ore. The annular eclipse, in which the moon passes in front of the sun leaving only a golden ring around its edges, was visible to wide areas across China, Japan and elsewhere in the region before moving across the Pacific to be seen in parts of the western United States. (AP Photo/The Register-Guard, Rob Romig) MAGS OUT less

An annular eclipse appears Sunday, May 20, 2012, in Eugene, Ore. The annular eclipse, in which the moon passes in front of the sun leaving only a golden ring around its edges, was visible to wide areas across ... more

An annular eclipse appears Sunday, May 20, 2012, in San Pedro, Calif. The annular eclipse, in which the moon passes in front of the sun leaving only a golden ring around its edges, was visible to wide areas across China, Japan and elsewhere in the region before moving across the Pacific to be seen in parts of the western United States. less

An annular eclipse appears Sunday, May 20, 2012, in San Pedro, Calif. The annular eclipse, in which the moon passes in front of the sun leaving only a golden ring around its edges, was visible to wide areas ... more